AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -When the plants and animals die they are decomposed by microorganisms During this process, the organic form of phosphorus is converted into the inorganic form, which is recycled to soil and water. Soil and water will end up in sediments and rocks, which will again release phosphorus by weathering.

Detailed explanation-2: -Over time, rain and weathering cause rocks to release phosphate ions and other minerals. This inorganic phosphate is then distributed in soils and water. Plants take up inorganic phosphate from the soil.

Detailed explanation-3: -Phosphorus is found in the Earth’s crust, primarily in sedimentary rocks that contain phosphate (PO43-) minerals. As these rocks weather and erode, dissolved phosphates enter the soil and travel via rivers to the ocean.

Detailed explanation-4: -Phosphorus enters the ocean via leaching and runoff, where it becomes dissolved in ocean water or enters marine food webs. Some phosphorus falls to the ocean floor where it becomes sediment. If uplifting occurs, this sediment can return to land.